New Zealand’s headline courses are spread over a long country, and that shapes every trip. Kauri Cliffs sits above the Pacific in Northland, Te Arai Links fills a stretch of dunes north of Auckland, Cape Kidnappers runs out along cliffs in Hawke’s Bay, and Queenstown’s courses sit beneath the Southern Alps more than 1,000 km to the south. Rather than trying to drive between them, most golfers pick two regions and use short domestic flights. Access is generally easier than in Australia’s private-club world. The lodge courses, Te Arai and Queenstown’s main courses all take visitor bookings, though some charge international visitors more and Tara Iti, next door to Te Arai, is strictly members only. The season runs from October to April, with long summer twilight that lets you play late into the evening.
Alex Russell’s 1949 links on the Kapiti Coast, host of 12 New Zealand Opens.
Where to base yourself.
Northland and Te Arai
Kauri Cliffs, David Harman’s clifftop course at Matauri Bay, pairs with Rosewood Kauri Cliffs lodge. Te Arai Links, about 90 minutes north of Auckland, has a Coore & Crenshaw South course (2022) and Tom Doak’s North course (2023), open to green-fee players. Neighbouring Tara Iti is private and not open to visitors.
Hawke’s Bay
Cape Kidnappers, Tom Doak’s course on deeply cut coastal ridges above Hawke Bay, is the reason to come, with Rosewood Cape Kidnappers on the same estate. Napier’s Art Deco centre and the Gimblett Gravels wineries around Hastings fill the non-golf days. Fly into Hawke’s Bay Airport at Napier.
Queenstown and the Wakatipu Basin
Jack’s Point, beneath The Remarkables and ten minutes from Queenstown Airport, books online up to 270 days ahead and closes for about eight weeks each winter. Millbrook Resort’s 27 holes near Arrowtown, The Hills and Queenstown Golf Club at Kelvin Heights make a strong week with plenty to do off the course.
When to go.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
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Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Play between October and April. Spring, in October and November, can be breezy and changeable but brings fewer visitors. December to February is high summer, with daylight past 9pm in Queenstown, though New Zealand’s school holidays from mid-December to late January make the lodges and Queenstown busiest. March and April are often the most settled months, with autumn colour around Arrowtown by April. In winter the North Island courses stay open but are wetter, while Jack’s Point closes from 22 June to 14 August in 2026 for maintenance. Check greens-renovation dates too: Jack’s Point closes for several days in mid-December.
Getting around.
Auckland (AKL) is the main international gateway, and Queenstown (ZQN) has direct flights from Australia’s east coast, which makes an open-jaw itinerary easy. Te Arai is about 90 minutes’ drive north of Auckland, and Kauri Cliffs is reached either by a longer drive north or a short flight to Bay of Islands (Kerikeri). Cape Kidnappers is served by flights to Napier, and Queenstown links to Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Domestic flights are short and frequent, but bag fees and weight limits apply to golf clubs. Hire a car in each region: roads are good but winding, so allow more time than the distance suggests.
Plan it well.
Most New Zealand courses publish rates and take bookings directly, with fewer letter-of-introduction hurdles than in Australia. Book lodge rounds at Kauri Cliffs and Cape Kidnappers with your room, and expect prices to differ between international visitors and New Zealand or Australian residents at some venues, Te Arai included. Booking windows vary widely: Jack’s Point opens its tee sheet 270 days ahead, while green-fee players at Te Arai can book about four weeks out. Carry a handicap certificate; Jack’s Point says one may be requested. Prices include 15% GST, and most courses include or rent carts.
Questions golfers ask.
Can visitors play Tara Iti?
No. Tara Iti is a private members’ club and does not take visitor bookings. Its sister venue next door, Te Arai Links, is open to green-fee players on its Coore & Crenshaw South course and Tom Doak’s North course, which alternate between member and public use from day to day.
When is the best time for a golf trip to New Zealand?
October to April, with March and April often the most settled. Summer brings the longest evenings but also the school-holiday crowds from mid-December to late January. Avoid Queenstown from late June to mid-August if you want Jack’s Point, which closes for winter maintenance.
Can I combine Kauri Cliffs, Cape Kidnappers and Queenstown in one trip?
Yes, but fly between them. Kauri Cliffs is in Northland, Cape Kidnappers in Hawke’s Bay and Queenstown far down the South Island. Allow at least two nights in each region and use domestic flights via Auckland rather than long drives.
Do New Zealand golf courses charge international visitors more?
Some do. Te Arai Links, for example, publishes separate international and New Zealand or Australian rates. Others, such as Jack’s Point, charge one visitor rate by season: NZ$275 to NZ$400 for 18 holes in 2026, including a shared cart.
